As you respond to God’s call to vocational ministry, a master of divinity (MDiv) is the foundation you need to seek ordination to Christian service. While historically the degree is focused on training individuals for congregational ministry, North Park’s MDiv is also excellent preparation for leadership in specialized ministries, including parachurch and nonprofit organizations. The flexibility within the degree, the Seminary’s centrality in the Evangelical Covenant Church community, and the academic and community resources at North Park allow you to explore topics unique to your current and future ministries while you develop the theological and formational foundation you need for your vocational life.

Why North Park?

As the seminary of the Evangelical Covenant Church and as a school committed to our home in Chicago, North Park Theological Seminary draws men and women from diverse backgrounds to work together as they explore their calls to ministry. You’ll learn alongside individuals from many Christian traditions; this rich academic culture is made distinctive by the close relationships fostered among students and faculty. North Park’s program can be tailored for students of all ages and calls, and is committed to developing leaders who are missionally competent—women and men who can serve with compassion and confidence across many cultures and locations.

Newly Redesigned, Launching Fall 2015

North Park's MDiv curriculum provides foundational knowledge in the Bible, Christian history, theology, and ancient languages, while also delivering essential skills in areas like preaching and leadership. In response to the needs of students and the church, the Seminary has re-tooled our master of divinity degree:

Seminary alumni Michael Thomas, Britta Burger, and Paul Burger—all members of the Class of 2013—each point to the importance of the Seminary community as part of their learning experience, whether as the foundation for life-long friendships or modeling an authentic, diverse, and caring community. The Bugers serve together at Bethany Covenant Church in Mount Vernon, Wash., and Thomas is a church-planting pastor at Radiant Church in Seattle.

An MDiv can be completed in three years of full-time study and internship, although many of our students choose to complete the program over a longer period of time and through a combination of in-person, online, and intensive hybrid courses.

Field Education complements your academic work at North Park Theological Seminary. Eleven credits earned from classes and internship will give further context to your studies, help you learn to navigate interpersonal relationships from a pastoral perspective, and give you insights into ministry organization.

A Seminary education goes far beyond the classroom. North Park Theological Seminary offers numerous opportunities, including on-campus housing, community events, and worship services, all within the world-class city of Chicago.

Dr. Klyne Snodgrass has chosen to teach at North Park for several decades because of "a sense of God’s leading, a commitment to Christ’s church, and a sense of the impact academic studies have on character formation and effective ministry," he says.

From the moment you enter Seminary, you will be immersed in a community that places vocational development front and center alongside academic preparation. Identity and spiritual formation coursework, psychological and biblical testing, and supervised practical experience are all crucial elements of your development as a minister.

Ordination in the ECC is a multi-step process, and requires advanced theological training. Our master of divinity covers all the educational requirements for Ordination to Word and Sacrament. As the only ECC seminary, North Park is uniquely equipped to walk alongside you through your degree and into ministry and credentialing, starting with our Call to Ministry experience specifically for individuals wanting to serve in Covenant churches. Learn more.